This guide is educational and does not replace advice from your vet or a professional groomer.
You run your hand down your dog’s back and there it is: a dense, felted knot hiding behind the ear or under a leg. Mats are one of the most common grooming problems, and one of the most misunderstood. They are not just ugly. As a mat tightens it pulls on the skin, traps moisture and dirt, and can cause sores and infection. The good news is that small ones are easy to fix at home if you go slowly, and nearly all are preventable.
Why dogs get mats
Mats form when loose, shed hair is not brushed out and tangles with live hair. Friction, moisture and oil make it worse. Common hot spots are behind the ears, the armpits, the chest, the groin, the tail base, the back of the legs and anywhere a collar or harness rubs. Dogs with long, silky, curly or double coats are the usual victims: Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Maltese and Yorkies, among others. Puppies often tangle while their soft puppy coat turns into the adult coat, usually somewhere between 6 and 12 months.
First, decide: DIY or professional?
| What you find | Best option |
|---|---|
| Small tangle or loose mat, skin not pulled, dog relaxed | Safe to work out at home |
| Several mats of coin to palm size, but the dog tolerates handling | Try gentle home work only if it comes apart easily. Otherwise book a groomer |
| Large, tight mats close to the skin, or the coat feels like a solid sheet (pelting) | Groomer or vet. A careful clip-down is kinder than hours of pulling |
| Red, hot, smelly or broken skin under a mat; dog yelps or bites when touched | Vet. Infection or pain may need treatment, sometimes sedation |
How to remove a mat at home, step by step
- Keep the coat dry. Bathing first shrinks and tightens mats. Brush out as much as you can before any bath.
- Get calm and comfortable. Choose a non-slip surface, a good light and a handful of treats. Stop if your dog is stressed. Short sessions beat marathons.
- Apply a detangling spray or a dog-safe conditioner to the mat and rub it in with your fingers for a minute. Some people use a small amount of coconut oil; use sparingly, as oils can leave coats greasy.
- Hold the hair at the base between your fingers, close to the skin, so any pulling does not tug on your dog.
- Pull the mat apart with your fingers into thinner strips, working along the direction of growth. A mat splitter or a dematting comb can help, used with the teeth pointing away from the skin.
- Comb from the tips inward. Use a wide-tooth comb on the loose outer hair first, then a finer one as it frees up. Do not start at the root.
- Finish with a thorough brush to the skin, then check the area for redness or scratches.
- Reward heavily. You want your dog to think grooming is boring and delicious.
Where to look every week
| Zone | Why it tangles | Quick check |
|---|---|---|
| Behind the ears | Friction, collar rub, fine hair | Run a comb to the skin |
| Armpits and chest | Leg movement and harness straps | Lift the front legs and check |
| Belly and groin | Urine, moisture, dirt | Check after walks and baths |
| Back legs and tail base | Sitting and feathering | Comb through the “pants” |
| Under the collar | Constant rubbing | Slide the collar off and look |
Brushing schedule by coat type
| Coat | Examples | Frequency | Best tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curly or woolly | Poodle, Doodles, Bichon | Daily to every other day, plus grooming every 4 to 8 weeks | Slicker brush plus a metal comb |
| Long and silky | Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkie | Daily | Pin brush plus a fine comb |
| Double coat, feathered | Golden Retriever, Spaniel, Collie | 2 to 4 times a week, more during shedding | Undercoat rake, slicker brush, comb |
| Short coat | Labrador, Beagle | Weekly | Rubber brush |
Need help choosing? See our guide to the best dog brush for each coat type.
Stop mats coming back
- Line brush. Part the coat, brush a small layer at a time right to the skin, then move on. Brushing only the top layer hides mats underneath.
- Brush before baths and after swims or rain. Wet, dirty hair knots quickly. Our bathing guide covers how often to wash.
- Dry thoroughly after baths.
- Book regular grooming for breeds that need haircuts. A shorter “puppy cut” is a sensible option if home brushing is hard.
- Check harness and clothing fit. Rubbing creates mats.
- Keep it positive. Start young and make grooming rewarding. See our home grooming basics.
- Manage shedding in double-coated dogs with a routine from our shedding guide.
🧠Quick Quiz: Mat Removal Dos and Don’ts
Tap a question to reveal the answer.
Q1. Should you bathe a matted dog before removing the mats?
Answer: No. Water shrinks and tightens mats. Brush out and remove them first.
Q2. Is it safe to cut a tight mat with scissors?
Answer: No. Skin gets pulled into mats and is easy to cut. Leave tight mats to a groomer or vet.
Q3. Which direction do you comb a mat?
Answer: From the tips toward the skin, in small sections, not from the root outward.
- Dry coat, detangler, fingers first, comb from the tips.
- Never scissor out a mat close to the skin.
- Tight or painful mats are a job for a groomer or vet.
- Prevention beats dematting: brush to the skin, check the hot spots weekly.
Dog matting FAQ
Should I bathe a matted dog?
No. Water causes mats to shrink and tighten. Brush out what you can, remove mats, then bathe.
Does shaving a matted dog hurt them?
Shaving by a professional is usually kinder than pulling out severe mats, which can be painful. The coat grows back, though texture can change on some breeds.
Can I use cornstarch to remove mats?
You may see this tip online. It can loosen mild tangles, but it is messy, can irritate skin or lungs and is not necessary. A good detangling spray works better.
How often should I brush a dog with long hair?
Daily is ideal for long, silky or curly coats. At minimum, every other day, with a weekly full-body comb-through.
Why does my dog get mats even though I brush him?
Usually it is surface brushing that misses the undercoat, or tools that do not suit the coat. Try line brushing with a comb to confirm you reach the skin.
Can matted fur cause health problems?
Yes. Severe matting can cause skin irritation, hot spots, infection and restricted movement, and can hide wounds or parasites. See our guide to flea and tick prevention too.
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